The End of the Game Goes in the Direction of Villanova
March 23, 2025 –
An television audience, a very enthusiastic crowd, and our city was treated to a Big Five classic as the Villanova Wildcats and the Saint Joseph’s Hawks met in a second round game of the WBIT. The season would end for one team and another game would await the other. In a close, back and forth game, that would come down to situational basketball, it would be Villanova that earns another winning 62 – 60 at the Hagan Arena. This game would not be decided until the very end. Villanova Coach Denise Dillon summarized it best,
“Oh my gosh, what a game!,” said Dillon. “Extremely proud of our group for just sticking it out to the very end against a great St. Joe’s team, who is leaving all out on the line as well. I’m trying to process this. How proud I am of our group for playing the final stretch and Maddie Burke coming up with the big shot at the end.”
The turned in the direction of the Wildcats when Burke hit a three-pointer with 4.7 seconds remaining to give the Wildcats a 61 – 60 lead. The basket came in transition after a steal by Maddie Webber who got the ball to Jasmine Bascoe who and found Burke open on the right.
“They were all focused on Jasmine (Bascoe) and Webber, because they are our main scorers, and it was all in transition,” Burke said in describing the play. “Jasmine got it on the wing and I just let it fly.”
After a time out Burke would play another huge role in the outcome of the game, this time on the defensive end of the court. The Hawks got the ball inside to Talya Brugler guarded by Burke. Brugler turned towards the basket, but had the ball go off her and went out of bounds.
There is an experimental rule in the tournament. In the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and in any overtime, the officials can go to a replay review on out of bounds calls. The offended coach may appeal the call before live action returns. If the appeal is unsuccessful the team is charged with a timeout. If that team does not have a timeout remaining, and indirect intentional foul is called. That is what happened to St. Joe’s. Kaitlin Orihel made a free throw and Nova made the ensuing inbound play. The horn sounded, the Cats won.
The final rally overcame a six-point deficit with 2:16 on the clock. The last three baskets for Villanova were from beyond the arc by Bascoe, Webber, and Burke. Mackenzie Smith got the final points for SJU on a layup.
What the Numbers Say
Burke would score 11 points. Bascoe had a team-high 15 points and 5 rebounds and assists.
Villanova would drain 11 of 26 three-pointers compared to 1 of 10 for Saint Joseph’s. Nova also had a 23 – 0 advantage in bench points. The Hawks outpointed the Wildcats 40 – 20 in the paint.
Laura Ziegler posted her 20th double-double of the season getting 19 points and 10 rebounds. She also led the team in assists handing out 8. Brugler scored 18 points and Smith 13.
Final Collegiate Games for Brugler and Smith
Brugler and Smith headed a very successful recruiting class for the Hawks. They did represent steps forward for the program, and their legacy is more than just numbers.
“The won 13 games in their freshman year,” said Saint Joseph’s Coach Cindy Griffin. “They won plus 20 in their sophomore year, 28 last year, and 24 this year. One step further, they got to the championship game (Atlantic 10). It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but they getting the program further and further, and I’ll be forever grateful for them. Add Laura to that mix and it elevated our whole program from a skill standpoint and from a culture standpoint.”
Up Next
A Quarterfinal round game for Villanova as they play Portland on Thursday
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@phillycollegesports.com
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